Car alarms

[Steven B.]

I have been considering getting an alarm for my 67 coupe. I have been looking at systems that have two way communication. Most of the systems have features I don't need like keyless access or remote start. I also want to be able to install it discretely. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm not concerned about cost just reliability.
My second question is how difficult would it be for someone to drive off with the car if I hid a ground and toggle switch wired to the coil? Is that overkill? I know that if someone wants something bad enough they will find a way to boost it but I'd like to make it as difficult as possible.

[Terry D.]

Re: Car alarms

In my opinion there is no such thing as overkill when trying to protect your property. The alarm will keep the amateur away, but only tell the pro he has more work to do. I like the hidden toggle switch, of course this doesn't stop the tow truck from taking your car, but then neither will most anything else, but it will take them time to find it and time is not a thieves friend. Make sure you check with your insurance company about where the car is NOT covered. A lot of specialty companies don't cover the car if it is left overnight anywhere but your garage.

[Michael J.]

Re: Car alarms

After spending much time and money removing a very elaborate (motion sensor, glass breakage sensor, electrical interrupt, remote arm/disarm, etc.) type system from one of my classic '60s muscle cars, I would say don't go there. When I bought the car the previous owner said he installed the system, but hardly ever used it, and by the time I bought it he had forgotten the code and lost the manuals so it couldn't be armed anyway. There were about 10 miles of wires, dozens of switches, etc. all cut into the electrical system that had to be delicately taken out. I would say a kill switch someplace only you know of is about as good as you can or should do, IMO.

[Alan D.]

Re: Car alarms

Second on the kill switch. Lots of options available in the Security Industry - most of these will locate your car via GPS.
Most of these require some kind of a monthly charge (web page). These type systems have been used in the trucking business for years but are now coming down in price to be affordable - these can even be set up to turn power down, ie idle speed only.
Check with some of your home security people, BUT not the big guys

[Steven B.]

Re: Car alarms

Thank you for your replies. I will go ahead with the switch and ground. If the car were judged, would it be an issue? I like the idea of GPS. At least the car could be located if taken. I lost a 67 camaro RS SS in 1973. It was recovered about a month later, on the Fort Lewis military reservation. Completely stripped, and by amateurs I might add. I have always been a bit sensitive to theft ever since.

[Carmen R.]

Re: Car alarms

Have a look at www.lojack.com. They use a GPS/tracking system.They just came out with a wireless unit. I believe it works on radio frequency. You can either pay a yearly fee or buy the unit outright. They're very discreet and even send correspondence in plain envelopes, free of company logos. The service is not available in all areas, so it's best to contact them for more information.

[Herb P.]

Re: Car alarms

The previous owner of my '67 coupe installed a VIPER alarm system that has wires and switches going all over the car. Over the past 17 years I have not attempted to take it out for fear the car would not start again. Like a previous post I did not get the instruction manual with the car when I bought it. That being said, the alarm continues to work very well for me.